*~The Dream Of A Lifetime~*


Chapter 17

Saturday, June 2, 2001

It was a half hour before Brian and Rachel’s wedding. The girls were in the bridal room, at the church, touching up their make-up and making sure everything was perfect…on Rachel. Well, Valondra was just sitting there watching everyone fuss over Rachel and thought about Nickolas. She looked at the ring on her finger then at the others.

“I can’t believe this is actually happening,” Rachel said. “By the end of the day I’ll be Mrs. Brian Littrell.”

“You’re so lucky,” Charisma said.

“Today is going to be the best day of your life,”

Valondra said and they looked at her. “Not only are you marrying one of the hottest men in Florida, but he’s also a Backstreet Boy.”

“That helps out a lot,” Storm said, as they all laughed. “But those of us that are not in the wedding better get out there and get in our seats.”

“It’s starting in five minutes,” Alyssa added, as Lillie opened the door. “My fingers are crossed.”

“I’ll see ya in a few minutes,” Rachel said, as Alyssa, Charisma, Lillie, and Storm walked out.

“I guess this means I can rent out your room,” Valondra joked.

“It’s going to be weird not seeing you guys everyday,” Rachel said. “But I’ll see Brian everyday and that’s even better.”

“Bitch,” Ariel said pretending to hit her.

“Why does it bother you?” Antoinette asked. “You don’t even live with us.”

“I don’t,” Ariel said. “Oh my goodness.”

“Shut up,” Valondra said. “I can’t believe Farah didn’t come.”

“She can’t say she didn’t get an invite,” Rachel said. “Because I sent her one and she called me.”

“Actually, I seen her out there sitting in one of the back pews,” Antoinette said.

“Did she say anything to ya?” Valondra questioned. “We haven’t seen her since she broke up with Kevin.”

“And tried to ruin things between you and Nick,” Rachel added.

“But now he did that on his own,” Valondra said.

“Quit being stubborn,” Ariel warned.

“It’s the truth,” Valondra said.

“You know he never kissed that twit,” Antoinette said. “So get over it.”

“Can we not talk about this on my wedding day,” Rachel pleaded. “It’s a happy day.”

“Exactly,” Valondra said. “It’s Brian and Rachel’s day and not Lon and Nick day.”

“And it’s that time,” Ariel said.

“Then let’s go,” Rachel said, as the door opened and Rachel’s father walked in.

“Everyone’s ready,” he said.

“So are we,” Valondra said.

“After you guys,” Rachel said following Valondra, Ariel, and Antoinette out the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“…with the power invested in me,” the Preacher said. “I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the Bride.”

Everyone started clapping as Brian and Rachel kissed. They turned to face the crowd, as they continued clapping and taking pictures. Brian and Rachel looked at each other smiling then kissed again.

They walked up the aisle, as everyone smiled at them. They were followed by; Valondra and Nickolas, Ariel and Brian’s brother, Harold, and Antoinette and Kevin. After they were out, the guests followed and congratulated them. After everyone was out of the church and all pictures were taken; they all headed to the reception at Howard’s club, Tabu.

They all ate the dinner that was prepared and then afterwards watched Brian and Hannah dance the first dance to Shania Twain’s “From This Moment On”. After the bride/groom dance they were joined by the wedding party and danced to All-4-One’s “I Can Love You Like That”. Valondra didn’t look at Nickolas during the whole song, but Nickolas looked at her and grinned the whole time. After the dance Valondra walked away as quickly as she could and Nickolas just watched her. He watched her vanish into the bathroom and one of Brian’s cousins grabbed him for a dance.

The crowd mingled for a while until Brian announced it was time to cut the cake. Everyone gathered around and watched, as Brian and Rachel made the first cut. Rachel went to feed Brian a piece, but Ariel stopped her and said, “Wait, Rachel, do you remember what I told you?”

“I was getting there,” Rachel replied.

“Sorry,” Ariel said. “Carry on.”

They all laughed and watched Rachel feed Brian the piece of cake and smeared it all over his face. They all laughed again, as Brian just looked at Rachel and stuffed a piece of cake in her mouth. The two looked at each other, as they wiped their face and then kissed.

Everyone was handed a glass and Kevin said, “I think we need to hear a toast from the best man. Nick say something.”

“Something,” Nickolas smirked, as they all laughed.

“Don’t get smart,” Kevin said and Nickolas just smiled.

“Speech! Speech! Speech!” everyone chanted and Nickolas stood up.

“Um…I honestly don’t know what else to say,” Nickolas began, “but I just want to congratulate the bride and groom for making it this far since it doesn’t look like I’m going to anytime soon.” Valondra looked at him, as he looked at her. “For the past three years you guys have been there for each other and were the others best friend. Nothing could keep you two apart and seemed that you were living a fairytale. Rachel, just so you know, you’re getting a great guy and the bestest friend anyone could find so treat him right. Oh and, Brian, what can I say, you already know you’re getting a wonderful, wonderful, beautiful lady so make sure you don’t do anything to screw it up.” Rachel and Brian looked at each other and kissed. “Wait, I’m not done.” They laughed. “I just want you both to know I’m very happy for you two, even though I haven’t showed it lately, and wish nothing but the best for ya both. To Rachel and Brian.”

“To Rachel and Brian!” everyone repeated holding up their glasses. “Cheers!” Rachel and Brian kissed again and then Brian said, “Party on people.” He and Rachel walked over to Nickolas and he said, “That was a great speech.”

“Thanks,” Nickolas said, as they hugged.

“And you’ll get here yourself,” Brian said. “Trust me.”

“Take good care of him, Rachel,” Nickolas said not wanting to discuss the situation with Valondra.

“I will,” Rachel said then Nickolas walked away.

“I love you,” Brian said.

“I love you,” Rachel said in return and she kissed him. “Let’s dance.”


Chapter 18